That's what Jayson Stark says:

Had the Brewers not landed the biggest 290-pound fish in the trading pond, we're hearing they wouldn't have turned to Harden as Plan B. Their target was the Royals' Zack Greinke. That's a moot point now. But as the Brewers turn their attention to adding an impactful bullpen arm next, they wouldn't be crazy to make a run at Greinke in that role, too. His bullpen splits last year were definite closer material (.226 opponent avg., .282 OBP, .332 SLG). "For some reason, as a starter, he's been only a six-inning guy," one scout said. "It just seems like he doesn't have the mindset or the durability to finish games. When I look at him, I have no doubt he could be a real good closer. It would just depend on the fit for the club."

My first reaction: why was Greinke not plan A? As has been discussed ad nauseam, Greinke would be under control through the 2010 season, two full years beyond Sabathia, and for roughly 20% of the price (comparing Greinke's $1.4M 2008 salary to Sabathia's $9M 2008 salary).

My second reaction: the bullpen?! Why would you want to move a 24-year-old with a 104/36 K/BB in 124 innings to the bullpen? Of course his stuff plays up when used in relief; every pitcher's stuff does.

He has four quality pitches, while relievers generally only need two.

But what about the 6-inning pitcher claim? His 124 innings have come in 19 starts, which is an average of just over 6.5 innings per start. He's thrown over 6 innings in 9 of his 19 starts, and never failed to go at least 5. In comparison, the Brewers' two horses, the law firm of Sheets & Sabathia, have averaged 6.8 and 6.75 IP/GS and gone >6 innings in 11 and 11 starts, respectively. Considering the age gap, those differences don't seem remarkable at all, and I'm sure Sheets and Sabathia would make wicked closers as well. I really hope the quoted scout doesn't work for the Brewers.